Liverpool's club-record signing Andy Carroll is still recovering from a thigh injury and is not in contention.

The £35million deadline-day signing is likely to be out for the foreseeable future, with Newcastle manager Alan Pardew claiming on Tuesday he thought the player was "four to five weeks" away from fitness.

Liverpool are still awaiting international clearance and a work permit for their other big signing Luis Suarez, who completed a £22.8million deal from Ajax on Monday. If that comes through in time, the Uruguay international could possibly play a part.

With Fernando Torres having joined Chelsea, either Dirk Kuyt or David Ngog may be given the striker's role. Vice-captain Jamie Carragher is also in contention for a return to the squad having recovered from an operation on a shoulder he dislocated on November 28 in the defeat at Tottenham.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has defensive worries.

Captain Ryan Shawcross is ruled out through suspension while Danny Higginbotham has a hamstring problem.

Full-back Andy Wilkinson has a back injury so Marc Wilson could come in, but Danny Collins is expected to return at left-back. Asmir Begovic could return in goal despite Thomas Sorensen impressing in the FA Cup win against Wolves.